Best Associate's Information Security Degree Programs in Oregon
Portland Community College — Portland, OR
Hakia Insight: Portland Community College's three-campus flexibility and proximity to Intel's Oregon operations create an unusual advantage: you can complete your associate degree on a schedule that matches shift work, then move directly into entry-level security roles at the companies already recruiting from PCC's cohorts.
At the associate's level, with three campuses serving the Portland metro, PCC's cybersecurity and information security programs scale to meet demand—you can study evenings, weekends, or full-time, in-person or hybrid depending on your schedule. The curriculum balances foundational IT support skills with introductory security concepts, positioning you for help desk roles or junior analyst positions at major employers like Intel, IBM, and Amazon, all with offices in Oregon. PCC's transfer partnerships with Oregon State and Portland State mean your degree translates directly into upper-level security and computer science degrees. The program's real advantage is flexibility without sacrificing rigor.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Information Security — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Information Security — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Intel, IBM, Local healthcare IT departments, Portland-area financial institutions.
Top Transfer Destinations
- Oregon State University
- University of Oregon
- Portland State University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- IT Support Specialist
- Junior Systems Administrator
- Network Support Technician
- Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst I
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Security+
- CompTIA Network+
- AWS Cloud Practitioner
Location Advantages:
Lane Community College — Eugene, OR
Hakia Insight: Lane's cybersecurity graduates benefit from Eugene's University of Oregon partnership pipeline—employers explicitly sourcing from Lane know they're hiring from a program vetted by a major research institution, a credential distinction most community colleges don't carry.
At the associate's level, lane's computer information systems and cybersecurity programs benefit from Eugene's thriving tech ecosystem—major companies, the University of Oregon's partnerships, and a growing startup scene all mean internship and job placement opportunities exceed typical community college levels. The curriculum emphasizes both defensive security fundamentals and ethical hacking awareness, giving you perspective on why security matters beyond just compliance. Graduates regularly move into help desk, junior analyst, or system support roles locally, or transfer to UO's or OSU's computer science programs with full credit. Lane's location and employer connections are genuine career accelerators.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Information Security — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Information Security — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Eugene tech startups, University of Oregon IT, Local healthcare IT departments, Regional financial services.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Oregon
- Oregon State University
- Portland State University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- Junior Systems Administrator
- IT Support Specialist
- Junior Security Analyst
- Network Support Technician
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Security+
- CompTIA Network+
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) - Foundation
Location Advantages:
Mt Hood Community College — Gresham, OR
Hakia Insight: Mt. Hood's emphasis on real networking equipment and security tools means you're training on the exact hardware your first employer uses, eliminating the 3-6 month "lab to live system" adjustment that derails many entry-level security hires.
At the associate's level, if you're serious about hands-on cybersecurity work, Mt. Hood's information security program emphasizes practical lab experience with real networking equipment and security tools. You'll build a portfolio of actual projects—packet analysis, firewall configuration, vulnerability assessments—that employers want to see. Many graduates land support roles at Portland-area tech companies or transition into four-year programs at Oregon State or University of Portland, where your completed coursework transfers smoothly. The program's strength lies in its industry-aligned curriculum that doesn't just teach theory; you're configuring systems from day one.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Information Security — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Information Security — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Mt Hood area school districts, Regional healthcare networks, Small-to-medium local businesses.
Top Transfer Destinations
- Oregon State University
- University of Portland
- Portland State University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- System Support Specialist
- Network Support Technician
- IT Support Analyst
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Security+
- CompTIA Network+
Location Advantages:
Klamath Community College — Klamath Falls, OR
Hakia Insight: Klamath's 16:1 student-to-instructor ratio in a 2-year program translates to direct faculty mentorship through your entire degree—something you won't replicate in larger community colleges even with tutoring centers.
At the associate's level, smaller doesn't mean less rigorous—Klamath's information security track gives you individualized attention and tight integration with local employers in the Klamath Basin. You'll learn networking fundamentals and security principles in a cohort environment where instructors know your name and can tailor support to your pace. Graduates typically move into help desk or junior IT support roles with regional employers, or use their credential to transfer to OSU, SOU, or other four-year programs. The real win here is personalized instruction and a tight job network in a region that values skilled IT workers.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Information Security — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Information Security — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Klamath Falls area government, Regional healthcare providers, Small-to-medium local businesses.
Top Transfer Destinations
- Oregon State University
- Southern Oregon University
- University of Oregon
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- IT Support Specialist
- Systems Support Technician
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Security+
Location Advantages:
Treasure Valley Community College — Ontario, OR
Hakia Insight: Eastern Oregon's tech talent scarcity inverts the typical job market: Treasure Valley graduates report employers actively recruiting before graduation because the supply-demand gap is so acute, meaning your degree carries immediate negotiating power.
At the associate's level, treasure Valley's IT programs serve Oregon's underserved eastern region where tech talent is genuinely scarce and employers actively court community college graduates—job placement rates reflect that demand. You'll get solid training in networking and system administration fundamentals without the Seattle or Portland-level competition for internships and entry roles. The cohort-based learning model means real relationships with instructors and classmates, plus direct connections to employers actively hiring. Transfer partnerships with OSU and Eastern Oregon University keep four-year paths accessible. For students seeking strong job prospects in a tight-knit region, TVCC offers authentic career opportunities.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Information Security — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Information Security — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Vale-Ontario area government, Regional healthcare IT, Small business IT support, Agricultural tech services.
Top Transfer Destinations
- Oregon State University
- Eastern Oregon University
- University of Oregon
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- IT Support Specialist
- Junior Systems Administrator
- Network Support Technician
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Security+
Location Advantages:
Southwestern Oregon Community College — Coos Bay, OR
Hakia Insight: Southwestern Oregon's partnership with Rogue Valley Medical Center and OSU creates a rare advantage for a rural community college—healthcare cybersecurity roles are consistently harder to fill than general IT, and you're positioned in a region where that expertise is genuinely scarce.
At the associate's level, if you're looking to build hands-on cybersecurity skills without leaving southwestern Oregon, this program grounds you in practical networking and system administration fundamentals that employers actually need. You'll work with real equipment and software in lab environments, learning network security, basic penetration testing concepts, and system hardening—the kind of technical depth that helps you hit the ground running as a help desk technician or junior network administrator. The program emphasizes certifications like CompTIA Security+ and A+, which are recognized credentials that open doors to government and private sector positions throughout Oregon. Many graduates transfer to four-year institutions like Southern Oregon University or Oregon State University to pursue bachelor's degrees in cybersecurity, while others move directly into support roles at regional tech companies, healthcare systems, and government agencies.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Information Security — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Information Security — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Oregon State University, Rogue Valley Medical Center, Local school districts, Regional government agencies, Small to mid-size technology firms in southern Oregon.
Top Transfer Destinations
- Oregon State University
- Southern Oregon University
- University of Oregon
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- Junior Network Administrator
- IT Support Specialist
- System Administrator (entry-level)
- IT Technician
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Security+
- Microsoft Azure Fundamentals
Location Advantages:
Clackamas Community College — Oregon City, OR
Hakia Insight: Clackamas sits in the geographic Goldilocks zone: close enough to Portland's Intel ecosystem to access major-company internships, but far enough to avoid direct competition with PCC's larger cohorts for the same entry-level roles.
At the associate's level, clackamas' information security program sits in a sweet spot between Portland's major tech employers and smaller regional companies hungry for skilled IT workers—you get job-ready training without fighting for internships. The curriculum covers networking fundamentals, security principles, and hands-on system administration in labs equipped with industry-standard tools. Most graduates move into help desk or junior support roles within six months of graduation, many staying local at tech firms, government agencies, or healthcare systems. Transfer to Portland State or OSU is straightforward for students who want to continue their education. The real strength is immediate employability in a job-rich market.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Information Security — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Information Security — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Portland metro tech companies, Intel, Clackamas County government, Regional healthcare IT departments.
Top Transfer Destinations
- Oregon State University
- Portland State University
- University of Oregon
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- IT Support Specialist
- Junior Systems Administrator
- Network Support Technician
- Desktop Support Technician
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Security+
- CompTIA Network+
- Microsoft Azure Fundamentals
Location Advantages:
Best Bachelor's Information Security Degree Programs in Oregon
Oregon Institute of Technology — Klamath Falls, OR
Key Distinction: An engineering-focused cybersecurity program built on hands-on laboratory work and industry capstone projects that prepares technically proficient security engineers.
Hakia Insight: Oregon Institute of Technology's partnerships with CompTIA and Cisco translate research into real-world experience — a key differentiator for hiring managers in Oregon.
At the bachelor's level, oregon Tech distinguishes itself through its applied engineering approach to cybersecurity education, rooting the program in hands-on laboratory work and industry-aligned capstone projects rather than purely theoretical study. The information security curriculum builds on the institution's engineering heritage, emphasizing secure systems design, infrastructure hardening, incident response operations, and risk assessment methodologies. Students engage with real networking equipment, virtualized environments, and security tools in dedicated labs, gaining proficiency with platforms used in production environments. The program's strength lies in producing graduates who can immediately contribute in technical security roles—penetration testing, network defense, security operations, and systems hardening. Oregon Tech's partnerships with technology companies and participation in cybersecurity competitions provide students with competitive experience and direct industry visibility. The institution's location in Klamath Falls, while rural, has not prevented the program from maintaining strong placement outcomes in regional and national security positions, with many employers specifically seeking Oregon Tech graduates for their technical depth.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Information Security — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Information Security — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
- CompTIA (nonprofit)
- Cisco (corporate)
Accreditations and Certifications
- CompTIA Security+ pathway
Location Advantages: Strong connections to Oregon tech employers despite rural location
George Fox University — Newberg, OR
Key Distinction: George Fox emphasizes NIST-aligned, ethics-forward security engineering with direct connections to Portland-area financial and healthcare employers.
Hakia Insight: George Fox's explicit NIST Cybersecurity Framework curriculum means your coursework directly maps to the threat modeling language financial services and healthcare use in hiring, giving you interview-ready vocabulary most bachelor's programs teach as on-the-job training.
At the bachelor's level, george Fox's information security program distinguishes itself through a curriculum explicitly designed around the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and real-world threat modeling. The program integrates applied security engineering across multiple technical domains—network security, cryptography, secure software development, and incident response—while maintaining a strong ethical foundation rooted in the university's values-driven mission. Students engage in hands-on lab work that mirrors enterprise environments, with particular emphasis on vulnerability assessment and penetration testing methodologies. The program's location in the Portland metro region creates direct pathways to Oregon's growing cybersecurity sector, and faculty maintain active connections with regional financial institutions and healthcare systems seeking graduates for security operations roles. What sets George Fox apart is its intentional balance: technical depth sufficient for security engineering positions, combined with business acumen that prepares graduates for security analyst and compliance roles in regulated industries.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Information Security — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Information Security — 4 years, online
Location Advantages: Portland metro area cybersecurity employment marketProximity to regional financial services sector
Warner Pacific University — Portland, OR
Key Distinction: A regionally-focused cybersecurity program emphasizing mentorship-driven learning and direct pathways into Portland's emerging security job market.
Hakia Insight: Warner Pacific's small-cohort model paired with Portland's emerging security job market creates a direct-access advantage: faculty maintain relationships with specific employers (Oregon government, local enterprises), so your capstone work often becomes a job interview.
At the bachelor's level, warner Pacific's information security program emphasizes practical, hands-on learning within a smaller institutional setting where students receive substantial faculty mentorship. The curriculum integrates foundational cybersecurity principles with applied technical skills, covering network defense, cryptography, secure coding practices, and threat analysis through laboratory-based coursework. What distinguishes the program is its focus on developing security professionals who understand both technical implementation and organizational risk management—preparing graduates for roles spanning from SOC analyst positions to security engineering. The institution's location in Portland connects students to Oregon's growing tech sector and provides internship opportunities with local government agencies and mid-market enterprises. Faculty emphasize real-world scenarios and case studies drawn from current threat landscapes, and the program maintains flexibility for students to pursue CompTIA Security+, CEH, and CISSP preparation. Warner Pacific's smaller cohort sizes enable personalized career advising and stronger industry networking, with many graduates transitioning directly into entry-to-mid-level security positions at regional and national companies.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Information Security — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Information Security — 4 years, online
Location Advantages: Proximity to Portland tech communityAccess to Oregon government and enterprise internships
Eastern Oregon University — La Grande, OR
Key Distinction: A regionally-grounded cybersecurity pathway within a liberal arts framework, ideal for students seeking foundational security knowledge and local career opportunities.
Hakia Insight: Eastern Oregon's liberal arts framework combined with real-world threat scenario labs means you graduate with both the security depth employers need and the communication breadth they desperately want—a rare combination that accelerates promotion from entry-level analyst to mid-career roles.
At the bachelor's level, eastern Oregon University's information security program emphasizes practical, hands-on learning grounded in real-world threat scenarios and defensive operations. Rather than treating cybersecurity as purely theoretical, the curriculum prioritizes applied skills through lab environments where students conduct penetration testing, analyze malware, and respond to simulated incidents. The program integrates network security, cryptography, and system hardening within a broader computer science context, allowing students to understand how security principles apply across infrastructure, applications, and cloud environments. Faculty members bring industry experience into the classroom, and the program maintains connections with regional government and critical infrastructure organizations—particularly relevant given Eastern Oregon's proximity to federal installations and state agencies. Graduates emerge with both technical depth and the communication skills necessary to translate security concerns for non-technical stakeholders, a gap many employers struggle to fill. The program's size allows for individualized advising and mentorship, with faculty invested in tracking career trajectories and providing job-search guidance. For students seeking a security education rooted in applied problem-solving rather than research credentials, and who value direct access to instructors and customized learning paths, this program offers an alternative to larger regional institutions.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Information Security — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Information Security — 4 years, online
Location Advantages: Connections to Eastern Oregon public sector and regional employers
